What to Know About Glaucoma in Pets: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Think Your Dog May Be Suffering From Glaucoma? Here’s What To Do

Glaucoma is a condition that affects the eyes of your animal companions. Scientifically speaking, glaucoma is the build-up of intra-ocular pressure caused by the over-production of aqueous humor, the jelly-like substance inside of the eye. While humans and pets both have normal intra-ocular pressures of 10-20 mmHg, the increase in pressure experienced by pets can almost double that of humans, making glaucoma much more of a serious issue for pets.

If you think your dog might have glaucoma, then this guide will help you learn more about the condition, what to look for, and how it is treated.

Causes of Glaucoma in Pets

There are two types of glaucoma, inherited (primary) and acute (secondary). The inherited version of the condition affects those breeds with a predisposition to it. These breeds include Basset Hound, Chow-Chow, Cocker Spaniel (American), Siberian Husky, Boston Terrier, and Chinese Shar-Pei.

The acute version of glaucoma is caused by an underlying health problem or trauma to the eye. Conditions that can cause acute glaucoma include intra-ocular tumors, advanced cataracts, uveitis (inflammation in the eye), and infections in the eye.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma in Pets

When a pet has glaucoma, the earliest signs you’ll notice will include:

Increased sensitivity to light

Squinting

Excessive tearing

Lack of social interaction

Depression

Dilated pupil

Redness and/or cloudiness of the eye

As the condition progresses, the elevated intra-ocular pressure will cause the affected eye(s) to swell to the point that they appear to be “bulging.” Glaucoma is a painful condition for pets and the longer it goes untreated, the higher the risk will be that the pet will lose her sight.

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed in Pets?

It is important to have your pet’s eyes checked on a regular basis. If you notice one of the above signs, don’t brush it off as something simple or harmless. Your pet may be developing glaucoma and she could be in pain. Take her to the veterinarian for a check up as soon as you can; it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Your veterinarian will give your pet a thorough physical examination, and if glaucoma is suspected, she will test the pet’s intra-ocular pressure using a piece of equipment called a tonometer. If the tonometer indicates the pressure in the eye is higher than it should be, glaucoma is positively diagnosed.

Treatment Options for Pets Diagnosed With Glaucoma

Eye drops and other medications designed to help decrease the production of aqueous humor and improve drainage are the most common treatments to help relieve the symptoms of glaucoma in pets. Analgesics are also commonly prescribed to help relieve the pet’s pain.

In advanced cases and cases where medications have proven not to help, surgical remove of the eye may be recommended to bring the pet relief. If this is the case, it is important to know that pets are resilient and adjust to such losses. Your pet will still be able to enjoy life and activities with one eye.

If your pet is diagnosed with glaucoma and your vet prescribes her medication or eye drops to help treat it, you can get your scripts filled by Diamondback Drugs conveniently and affordably. We’re one of the top veterinary compounding pharmacies in the nation and we can custom-formulate virtually any order.

Get a free quote for your pet’s eye medications today and see how much you can save with Diamondback Drugs. We can help you get your pet the medicine she needs – try us today!